Do you live in the USA and like to keep the 4th of July or “Americana” decor up all summer long? Then you’ll love the America Marquee SVG I designed for the new SVG group I have joined.
I live across the state border from Portland, OR and this is a pretty famous sign in the city.
It’s definitely fun to see it lit up at night, and it was the inspiration for my America Marquee design!
Use this form to get the free America SVG delivered to your email.
You can resize it to fit any kind of project you want to make.
If you’re going to cut out the vinyl in single pieces to go on a tall porch board like I have pictured, you’ll want to use a Silhouette, or a Cricut “3” machine that can cut vinyl without a mat.
You could also cut the design from stencil vinyl and paint on the design.
For more fun red, white, and blue designs to use for the rest of your summer, visit each link below
To get the most out of the designs you download from Crafting in the Rain, here are some useful posts.
The more craft supplies you have, the more important it is to organize and label them so you know what you have and where to find it. Ditch the boring labels from the store, and instead make your own creative DIY labels for organization.
Then you can add your personal style and create labels that match the supplies you own. Here are some unique labeling ideas to help you organize your craft stashes in a creative and personalized way.
Paper Labels
Paper labels are versatile and can be easily crafted using plain cardstock or patterned paper. You can stack multiple layers to create a framed look.
Customize them with your own handwriting or calligraphy, or if you prefer a more precise look, write on them with a Cricut machine.
Another option is to choose a computer font you like and print the labels using your home printer. To make the printing process even easier, consider using premade template kits like those available from Avery.
Their online program allows you to enter the product number for the labels you’re making and align everything perfectly so your words print in just the right places.
Supply options for making paper labels
Sticker Labels
Sticker labels are convenient as they come with their own adhesive. Sticker labels work well for labeling file folders, boxes, and plastic drawers.
For permanent applications, you can use Neato sheets. Alternatively, try Cricut printable vinyl if you prefer something repositionable.
If you have a Cricut machine, take advantage of its Print then Cut function. Design your own stickers, search Design Space for label templates, or browse Creative Fabrica for ready-made options.
Supply options for making sticker labels
Fabric Labels
If you enjoy sewing, chances are you have some favorite fabric scraps that you don’t want to be part with. Fabric labels are an excellent way to use them while also keeping them on display.
To create fabric labels, use an iron or EasyPress to apply some Heat n Bond fabric stabilizer to the wrong side of the fabric.
Then use a rotary cutter to cut the fabric to the size you want for the label. The fabric will have some structure and hold its shape without fraying.
Cut iron-on vinyl and apply it to fabric scraps. You can also embroider the letters directly onto the fabric for a more handmade touch.
To hang the fabric labels, attach them with a clothespin or add a grommet and loop the string through to hang them from a basket handle.
Supply options for making fabric labels
Chalkboard Labels
Chalkboard labels are still popular too. You can either make them yourself or purchase ready-made sets from stores like Michaels. If you prefer a DIY approach, take wooden tags and paint them with chalkboard paint.
To ensure that you can easily erase the chalk markings, prime the chalkboard surface before use. Write on the chalkboard labels using regular chalk or chalk markers for a more precise look.
Change the label writing by first wiping with a slightly damp cloth and letting the surface dry.
Supply options for making chalkboard labels
Wood Labels
Wood surfaces can be labeled in various ways, including using paint, vinyl, or laser engraving.
Painting allows you to add a personal touch by hand, and you can even look for simple painting tutorials online if you’re a beginner.
Consider florals, vines, or abstract decorations for the wood labels.
For something more precise, laser engraving is a more hands-off way to add text and decoration to these wood tags.
Supply options for wood labels
Vinyl Labels
Adhesive vinyl labels are great for hard surfaces like plastic bins, cardboard boxes and glass jars. You can apply the vinyl right to it.
It’s a great plan of attack if you have a Cricut or Silhouette. Just remember that you’ll be weeding everything before you apply it. So don’t choose fonts that are too skinny, too small, or too jagged – all of them can be hard to weed.
If you don’t have a cutting machine, you can use pre-cut vinyl stickers. Just be aware that it can be tricky to get them to line up well, so they might look a little sloppy in the end.
Supply options for vinyl labels
HTV Labels
Heat transfer or iron-on vinyl comes in so many colors, styles, and patterns that you can match any craft room vibe.
HTV can be added to fabric and felt bins, and the fabric labels mentioned before.
Applying iron on vinyl to a storage bin is of course much more permanent than a hanging label, but it can still be a good choice.
This example is actually in my laundry room and not my craft room, but I think it gives a good idea of how to use it.
Supply options for iron on labels
Temporary Labeling Ideas
A great way to help sort out items when you’re getting started is to use pieces of washi tape or painters tape. Write on it with a sharpie, apply to the box, basket or container, and remove it when you’re ready for your more permanent solution.
Dry-erase markers can be used on glass or smooth plastic. I recommend testing on a small spot on the bottom to make sure it will wipe away cleanly later.
Post-it notes are easy to rearrange and even color code if you like. Just remember that there is only a strip of sticky on the back, meaning they may get knocked off or fall easily. So again, good for labeling in the short term.
Supply options for temporary labels
DIY labels for organization
I hope you can use these tips and ideas to organize your craft stash with style and fun.
Organizing and labeling your craft supplies not only helps you maintain a tidy workspace but also saves you money!
I’m not saying I’m a perfect example of this, but when your craft supplies have a labeled place and you know where to put them away and find them you don’t have to buy extras 🙂 It’s something to work towards anyway!
So go ahead, unleash your creativity, and have fun crafting unique labels that will make your craft space a joy to work in. And if I left out a good way to make creative DIY labels, let me know!
Look at all the cute free Smores SVGs I got to share today! They’re perfect for cookouts, camping, and really, any summer-wear. I designed this Boom Roasted SVG.
This phrase will always give me a flashback to the episode of The Office when Michael was so excited to have everyone Roast him, but he discovered the jabs all sting and hurt his feelings. So then he comes back to roast everyone else and yells “Boom, Roasted” after every insult
You can get it for free using this form and it will be emailed to you.
Obviously my first thought was to put this SVG design on at shirt, but it would also be really cute on a tote bag, notebook cover – or even flatten it and turn it into a Print then Cut sticker.
Next you’ll see all the designs my friends made. You can click on the pictures to go access the files from them!
If you make any of these, please send us an email or tag us on Instagram or something. We love to see your creations!
Photo Credit:
thekingstonhome.com
Make cute tags for a S’mores party, or neighbor gifts
Continue reading
Photo Credit:
artsyfartsymama.com
Hot mess is a good thing when you’re talking about marshmallows and chocolate!
Continue reading
Photo Credit:
madincrafts. com
Check out the cute friends in this Smores group hug
Continue reading
Photo Credit:
heyletsmakestuff.com
These are great friends to have in your corner! Smores Squad SVG.
Continue reading
Photo Credit:
100directions.com
Look how cute the Smore Love svg is on a mug!
Continue reading
Photo Credit:
everydaypartymag.com
Turn all the elements of Smores into part of your party decor with a whole smores station
Continue reading
Photo Credit:
craftingintherain.com
If this Boom Roasted shirt reminds you of Michael Scott, then we can definitely become friends
Continue reading
Photo Credit:
hellocreativefamily.com
This S’more Memories SVG is adorable on a shirt and would make a perfect scrapbook page too!
Continue reading
To get the most out of the designs you download from Crafting in the Rain, here are some useful posts.
This was a fun video to film, and a fun project to make! One of my teenagers has already swiped the resin mushroom hair clips, so I must have created something on-trend. That’s always a good sign, right?
I found that this is a great small-scale project to help you get used to working with resin.
The cute plastic mushrooms are embedded in a resin mold, given a glitter base layer, and glued to a blank hair clip.
Supplies needed for resin mushroom hair clips
Prep mushroom resin clips
Check that the mold you have chosen will fit on the hair clips you have. Also, check that the mushrooms (or other fillers) will fit into the mold.
To make my mushrooms fit, I pulled out the wire attachment, sanded away the bottom to make a flat stem, and a bit of one side that would be flat and face up.
Spray the mold with mold release spray. Skipping this step can make the resin much harder to get out of the mold later.
Mix resin for hair clip molds
While the mold spray is drying, mix the resin together. This epoxy resin is an equal part, so I used 10 mL of A and 10 mL of B.
Follow these instructions for your specific type of resin, if using something different. This required a mix time of 4 minutes. Scrape the sides and bottom while mixing so that there aren’t unmixed portions.
NOTE – If using a paper cup for mixing, make sure it’s not wax coated on the inside. It can flake off and get stirred into the resin.
Pour resin mushroom clips
Fill the mold about half way full and let rest for about 10 minutes. Then use a mist of alcohol or a heat gun to remove any bubbles that rose to the surface.
Use tweezers to place the mushrooms into the resin, flat side up (this will be the bottom side of the hair clip.)
Pour more resin on top to reach almost the top of the mushrooms.
Over the next hour or two, as the resin starts to gel up, rotate any of the mushrooms back if they have started to twist.
After 4 hours of curing, the last layer can be added and the color or glitter won’t mix with the first pour.
Mix 5 mL of A and 5mL of B, stir for 4 minutes, and add glitter or mica or dyes – whatever you want to be the “base” layer of your clips.
Let the resin cure for 24 hours then remove from the mold. Flip the mold upside down and push on the bottom. That helps pop the resin shape out.
Make hair clips from resin
Restore the shine to the resin surface with a sealer spray like this. A couple of light coats will make a big difference
To finish the clips, glue the resin onto a blank clip. I clipped mine onto a silicone mat to make sure that my glue didn’t seep down and accidentally seal the clip closed.
When the glue is dry, the resin mushroom clips are ready to be packaged, gifted, or worn! Who do you know who would love these?
Watch the YouTube video here if that’s more your style!
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I receive a small commission at no cost to you when you make a purchase using my link.
If you’re thinking of giving your kitchen or bathroom cabinets a makeover, you probably want to know is the Rustoleum cabinet transformation worth it?
You don’t want to do all that work just to have your new finish chipping and fading in just a few months.
4 years ago I painted my bathroom vanity with a Rustoleum Cabinet Transformation Kit. So that’s given it a lot of use and time to give a good long-term review of the cabinet kit and results.
What comes in a Rustoleum cabinet transformation kit
Deglosser – to remove dirt, grease and grime from the original cabinets
Base coat – the tinted layer – this will probably require 3 coats
Decorative glaze – if you want a brownish glazed look over the color of your cabinets. Makes the most difference if you have “fancier” cabinets or trim.
Plain flat surfaces won’t have all the edges that show off the glaze. I skipped the glaze while doing my dark blue bathroom cabinets
Protective top coat – this is the last step. It dries clear, gives a satin finish shine, and protects the paint color underneath.
As you can read in my original tutorial, it’s not super user-friendly and it’s hard to eliminate all pools and drips, which then dry cloudy and white – quite obvious on dark cabinets.
IN ADDITION, THE KIT ALSO INCLUDES
Instructional DVD
Decorative Glazing Cloths
Scrub Pads
Steering Sticks
Pros and Cons of a Rustoleum Cabinet kit
So, the cabinet kit promises an easy way to transform your cabinets, providing all the layers you’ll need. Is it better to buy them separately on your own?
Here are my pros
You know the products are designed to work together.
No primer is needed (although you will find some people who used primer before painting with white and recommend it for the best coverage)
Cabinet paint really does dry with no brush marks
Here are my cons
You pay for the glaze even if you aren’t going to use it
The clear top coat can be finicky, so if you choose to use satin polycrylic, you still have to pay for the Rustoleum version in the kit.
Ok, so how does the Rustoleum cabinet transformation really hold up? Naturally, most of the images and reviews you will see online show you the before, and the IMMEDIATE after.
Of course it’s going to look good, right? It hasn’t been used yet! It can be a little harder to find a review of the cabinet makeover months or years later.
Our cabinets looked really good for 3 whole years! I do have to admit that these cabinets are in a bathroom, and a kitchen will likely have more traffic. But the paint has held up really well in that humid environment.
Once a spot starts to wear, it will deteriorate more quickly. But I’m going to show you how to touch up cabinets painted with a Rustoleum kit. It will really make you feel like a RustOleum Cabinet Transformation is worth the effort.
Like I mentioned, I first noticed some spots that needed help around the 3-year mark. And finally got around to working on it at the 4-year mark.
Watch the Touch Up tutorial video here
Here’s what the worse area looked like. It’s one of the drawers where this is used to open the drawer more often than the handle.
Supplies for touching up painted cabinets
Paint in the original color – best case scenario, you have some of the bond coat from your original cabinet kit. Be sure to mix it WELL so that all solids and colors are completely combined
If you don’t have some of the original, at least know the color you used so you can get the color matched at the hardware store. Ask the paint expert what kind of paint they recommend. And get the flat finish.
Clear Satin Polycrylic
Brush designed for clear top coats
Paint brushes
Micro sander 220 grit
Tackcloth
The method I’m going to show you worked perfectly for me. However, I still recommend that you find a section of your cabinets where you can do the whole process and make sure that it will look good with your specific cabinets and color.
If you have one side that’s not very visible, or a small section that’s separated from everything else, that will be a good place to experiment.
Steps for touching up painted Rust-oleum cabinets
Lightly sand the whole area where a paint touch-up needs to be made. For example, the whole drawer front, a whole side panel.
Sand smooth where any chips happened, so that the new layers will also be smooth.
Use a lint free cloth or tack cloth to remove any sanding dust.
Paint at least two coats over the worn areas, waiting 2 hours for dry time. You don’t need to paint over the whole sanded area. Be sure to feature out the edges so there aren’t any drips.
Let final coat dry for 8 hours.
Cover the sanded area with a coat of clear satin polycrylic. Work with long brush strokes, and don’t overload the brush. This helps eliminate drips.
** If you are adding a second clear coat, wait 8 hours, lightly sand and remove dust, and repeat step 6.
Let the clear coat dry at least 8 hours before using any of the cabinets, and then over the next 24 hours it will cure completely.
This method should create a finish that doesn’t show any of the spots that were touched up with paint.
Ways to extend the life of a Rustoleum Cabinet Transformation makeover
Here are some ways to make your painted cabinets look better for longer.
Make sure the cabinets are treated with the deglosser and well prepared. This helps the colored bond coat adhere the best.
Install hardware to the drawers and doors if they don’t already have it. This way fingers are kept from touching the paint and wearing through the finish over time.
Clean up drips and splashes ASAP. Wiping away a fresh mess will always be easier than waiting for it to dry. Since it will require less scrubbing, it will preserve the cabinet paint.
When you start to notice some spots where paint is chipping or wearing away, follow the process for painting patches, and add a second polycrylic coat for extra protection.
Is Rustoleum cabinet transformation worth it?
I would definitely do my bathroom cabinets over again just like this. In fact, the kids’ bathroom vanity definitely needs this same kind of treatment. I just need to decide what color!
And is the Rustoleum cabinet transformation worth the time? I can only speak from the experience of doing a bathroom sized project, not a whole kitchen – but for me it was!
I hope this gave you some tips and confidence to touch up your painted cabinets if you need to. Or helped you decide if the transformation kit lasts like you need it to.
Thanks for reading, and let me know if you have any questions!!
Read here if you prefer to learn how to transform cabinets with a paint sprayer
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I receive a small commission at no cost to you when you make a purchase using my link.
I just spent a weekend enjoying part of the PNW on Camano Island in the Puget Sound. While it wasn’t exactly a lake it did get me excited to share this month’s free lake SVGs!
Here’s a beautiful line up of rocks I collected right by our house.
So I went with a funny angle and made this Kiss my Oars hand-drawn SVG file.
You can change up to any color you like, and the file would be really cute on a shirt, or a large wooden sign, or like the water bottle above.
Use this form to get the SVG ink emailed to you.
For more free lake SVGs, be sure to check out all the posts below to get my friend’s SVGs too.
Get ready for your summer aesthetic with these original lake SVG designs. Put them on apparel, accessories, and decor!
Photo Credit:
hellocreativefamily.com
Take the lake with you by putting this SVG on a shirt
Continue reading
Photo Credit:
http://everydaypartymag.com
Don’t forget your hat, but enjoy the sunshine on the lake!
Continue reading
Photo Credit:
karacreates.com
Before you head to the lake, make sure you download this fun Boat Waves Sun Rays Lake Days SVG Cut File
Continue reading
Photo Credit:
heyletsmakestuff.com
Lots of us are land-locked, but we can still find water to play in – don’t be salty about it!
Continue reading
Photo Credit:
https://www.artsyfartsymama.com
Whether you’re just at the lake for the weekend or you’ll be there all summer, embrace the life!
Continue reading
Photo Credit:
madincrafts. com
No salt-dried skin here, just cool fresh lake water
Continue reading
To get the most out of the designs you download from Crafting in the Rain, here are some useful posts.
Governments are increasingly cracking down on money laundering in the art market through stricter transparency requirements for auction houses and other art sellers. But a recent conflict over a nearly $1 million painting in France shows the difficulty of balancing the need for transparency with clients’ desire for confidentiality.
In November, London dealer Patrick Matthiesen bought a painting attributed to Laurent de la Hyre titled Narcissus (circa 1640) at Paris auction house Artcurial for €918,400 ($985,000). The provenance for the work was slim, with just a single line indicating: “Anonymous sale; London, Christie’s, July 19, 1929, n° 111.”
Matthiesen tries to get more information from Artcurial, but hits a wall. “I’ve never had anything like this face-off with the French,” he told Artnet News.
Matthiesen said he wanted to obtain a certificate from the Art Loss Register, which indicates that a work has not been reported stolen, in anticipation of an eventual sale, possibly to an institution in the US, Canada, or Australia. “I said, ‘We don’t need a name and telephone number, but we need some background data about where this painting ishas been and who it has been sold by, sufficient that in the future we could identify the person if there was a problem.’ Because a painting that hasn’t had a provenance for 100 years, it could have been stolen.”
Matthiesen said he still got nowhere with Artcurial, even when he offered to have the information kept confidential by attorneys acting as intermediaries who would have the details of ownership in case a conflict or challenge ever arose in the future.
He said he wrote to the European Commission in Brussels, but was told they could not intervene directly and recommended that he go to the French regulatory authority TRACFIN. Matthiesen said he kept Artcurial in the loop about his efforts, but never received any additional disclosures.
“Artcurial is very attentive to the laws and regulations (AML, Tracfin…) and we check the information on our sellers very carefully,” Artcurial associate director Matthieu Fournier told Artnet News in an email. “If something is not clear enough about the identity of the seller or the provenance, we refuse to be entrusted with the artworks. Once we have obtained all the guarantees required from our seller, the least we can do is to protect their identity and not disclose it to other clients. Reliable confidentiality is key to our business and one of our most important values.”
Through his own research, Matthiesen learned that the painting had at one point been in Italy, and as recently as last year, because a label on it read “scuola Francese” or “French School” in Italian.
Artcurial countered this, claiming the painting had come from a “bourgeois” family in Brussels where it had been for “at least a generation.”
“All the alarm bells went off in my mind,” said Matthiesen. “I said Brussels? The only country in Europe where there are no import/export laws?” Matthiessen said his gallery reported eventually Artcurial to London’sSerious Fraud Office.
Last month, Artcurial canceled the sale to Matthiesen, saying that the allotted time to pay had expired. “The winning bidder did not honor his commitment and did not pay,” Fournier said. “The case is now closed and leaves us bitterly disappointed.” The picture has been returned to the seller, the auction house said.
Matthiesen said he still intended to purchase the picture. “The reason I was fighting was because I desperately wanted the picture,” he said. “I put six months of work into this picture and I was prepared to go the extra mile to get it.” He added: “the money was there for it but I was not going to pay $1 million-plus for a picture which I could not convey the title to an American institution later on.”
Ultimately, Artcurial didn’t provide enough information for the Art Loss Register to issue a certificate for the work. Julian Radcliffe, chairman of the Art Loss Register, told Artnet News that the organization requires at least “some indication as to what the person is, like ‘a French collector.’”
“Because if there is a problem later, we need to be able to go back to the auction house,” he added. “We’re not doing it out of nosiness. There is no conceivable excuse for an auction house not making that clear to a consignor.”
Susan Mumford, CEO of ArtAML, an advisory that helps art businesses comply with anti-money laundering laws (AML), noted that France, as an EU member state, is regulated under AML. “This will incorporate provenance for secondary-market transactions, as a significant element of risk of money laundering is previous ownership,” she said. “Overall, AML’s shift towards transparency in art transactions will, in time at least, change the culture of the sector. Indeed, we speak with small art businesses every week who laugh at the suggestion of conducting customer due diligence on auction houses (which is required of them). Will the norm of not passing on provenance records change? Time will tell.”
Ivan Macquisten, an art market analyst and advisor, is currently reviewing the EU’s import licensing for cultural goods, which is due to be enforced regulation starting in June 2025, on behalf of trade associations in the art market. “I foresee serious issues with that,” he said, “particularly to the detriment of the European art market.”
“Introducing legislation is one thing. Ensuring that everyone is subject to it—and those in charge of enforcing it—have a clear view of how legislation is interpreted and works in practice is another.”
Follow Artnet News on Facebook:
Want to stay ahead of the art world? Subscribe to our newsletter to get the breaking news, eye-opening interviews, and critical takes that drive the conversation forward.
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I receive a small commission at no cost to you when you make a purchase using my link.
Cricut paper dolls make a really cute gift or kids activity. I’ll show you how to customize dolls that are already in Design Space, and how to use the Perforation Blade to create punchable sheets.
I have a YouTube video where you can watch the process as well. This way you can see me work through the project, but then here also have all the written instructions and measurements.
Supplies for Cricut Paper Dolls
Cricut Maker or Maker 3
Perforating Blades
Cardstock
Blue or green mat
Printers
In Design Space, search images for Paper Dolls. You can click the 3 dots on one of them and open up the whole image set – there are dolls in costumes, in regular clothes, lots of hair and gender options – plus you can customize further before printing.
Check this YouTube video if you want to follow along while I Design and Make the paper dolls
Steps for Designing the paper doll in cricut
Change doll size to about 4.6 inches tall
If you want to swap clothes or accessories with any of the dolls, ungroup the dolls, make the changes, and then continue with the following steps after grouping again.
Change doll operation to Print then Cut.
Click on individual layers on the side panel to change hair or skin color, change clothing color, or even fill shapes with a pattern instead of a solid color.
I changed the doctor to a vet by picking a dog and cat pattern for his scrubs.
When the doll is colored how you like, select and click Flatten. The doll is now one flattened layer.
Add an offset of 0.25 inches. We need to flatten the bottom of the layer between the feet, so add a half circle shape and adjust it to fill in the gaps. Align to the bottom of the offset, select the half circle and the offset and click Combine > Weld.
Now click on the offset and change the color to white. Then change the operation type to Perforate.
Center the perforation shape around the doll, select both, and click Attach.
Repeat with as many dolls as you want to make.
Make Paper doll stands in cricuts
From the shapes panel, bring in a single line, and a half circle. Resize the half circle to be 1 inch tall and 2 inches wide, and the line to be 0.5 inches tall.
Change the operation of the shape and the line to perforate. Duplicate the line a few times.
Align 1 line and one semicircle to the top and the center, then attach. Duplicate for each doll.
To add a slit to the bottom of each doll so that the stand can slide on, align a perforated line to the center and bottom of each doll, then attach it to the doll.
Printing the paper dolls
I fit 3 dolls and stands in the Cricut print then cut area (6.75 x 9.25). Spread them out so have some distance between them.
Click make and send to printer – turn OFF bleed and turn ON use system dialog. Then you can choose BEST quality. Print on plain white cardstock.
After printing, press onto a blue mat and load into the machine. Install the Perforation Wheel.
Cutting Cricut Paper Dolls
Cricut will cut the perforated outline around each doll, the stand piece, and the slits in each.
Design Space will then tell you to put the fine point blade back in so it can cut directly around each printed doll. We don’t want this off course, so unload the mat instead and cancel the cut in Designs Space.
Repeat with each sheet of paper dolls.
Then use a paper trimmer to cut off the black rectangle and the dolls are ready to punch out, or give as a gift.
Summer is the season of refreshing cocktails, so let’s get the season started with a list of 12 easy summer cocktail recipes. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, lounging by the pool, or just want to unwind after a long day, these cocktails are sure to cool you down and satisfy your thirst. From classic margaritas to fruity sangrias, there’s something for everyone on this list. So, grab your shaker, and some ice, and let’s get mixing!
12 EASY SUMMER COCKTAIL RECIPES
CLASSIC FROZEN MARGARITAS AT HOME
There are few cocktails more iconic than a classic lime margarita. I walk you through making classic frozen margaritas at home from scratch, so you can serve your friends refreshing drinks year-round!
LEARN MORE
HOW TO MAKE A FRENCH 75 COCKTAIL AT HOME
The French 75 cocktail combines the crispness of gin with the sweetness of simple syrup and the tanginess of lemon juice, topped off with a splash of champagne. Impress your guests (or just treat yourself!) this summer!
LEARN MORE
HOW TO MAKE A PROSECCO MARGARITA
I love the idea of taking everyone’s favorite classic margarita and putting a fun twist on it with some delicious Prosecco. I share how to make a Prosecco margarita for your next special occasion.
LEARN MORE
HOMEMADE BLACKBERRY GIN AND TONIC RECIPE
Muddled fresh blackberries blend with tonic water, refreshing gin, and freshly squeezed lime to make this cocktail recipe that’s perfect for summertime entertaining. This blackberry gin and tonic recipe will be a show-stopper at your next party!
LEARN MORE
ITALIAN MARGARITA RECIPE
Check out this fun twist on a traditional margarita. The Amaretto adds a subtle flavor that pairs perfectly with salt or sugar – whichever tickles your taste buds!
LEARN MORE
SUMMER CUCUMBER GIN AND TONIC RECIPE
This cucumber gin and tonic recipe is perfect for those warm summer days. The freshness of lime and cucumber juices turns your standard gin and tonic into something special!
LEARN MORE
UNICORN ROSÉ SANGRIA
This colorful unicorn rosé sangria is perfect for girls’ night or a weekend brunch. Make use of the season’s fresh fruit to garnish this fantastical sangria.
LEARN MORE
RUM RUNNER
This rum runner recipe is fruity and tropical with refreshing twists between rum, blackberry and banana liqueur, plus pineapple and orange juices. This cocktail is the perfect summertime drink!
LEARN MORE
FOURTH OF JULY SANGRIA
Forget margaritas, daiquiris, and rum & cokes, sangria is a wonderful choice for summer cookouts. Fresh white peaches and blueberries float in red white for a festive Independence Day drink.
LEARN MORE
SIMPLE BEER MARGARITAS
Be prepared to settle in for the night because once you dip into a pitcher of these simple beer margaritas you aren’t going to be going anywhere!
LEARN MORE
COCONUT MOJITOS
This refreshing Coconut Mojito is made with fresh cooling mint, coconut rum, coconut cream and club soda. A delicious and tropical cocktail for summer!
LEARN MORE
CUBAN BUL RECIPE
The Cuban bul is a light and refreshing beer cocktail that is perfect for a warm summer cookout. You can make up a large batch ahead of time, and guests can serve themselves throughout the party.
The National Museum of African Art is again without a director after Ngaire Blankenberg quietly left the post on March 31. She had served in that role for less than two years. The interim director will be John Lapiana, senior advisor to the undersecretary of museums and culture, who has also served as deputy director since last spring.
Blankenberg encountered “individual and institutional resistance and then backlash,” she told the Art Newspapervia e-mail. “There’s a lot of pressure and hope put on individual leaders, especially Black women, but at the first sign of trouble… well she becomes a problem. It’s becoming a cliche.”
Blankenberg began at the museum a year after the post was vacated by Augustus Casely-Hayford, who was director for two years and departed in early 2020.
When she took the job, Blankenberg told MuseumNext that she had set an “insane challenge” for herself and her team: to bring in a global African audience of Gen Z and Millennials. “My vision is to create a 21st-century global African art museum, with an international presence in Africa and the African diaspora,” she told Smithsonian Magazine in 2022.
“For me it was a fantastic opportunity to really push the boundaries of what is a museum in the 21st century and what is an African art museum in the 21st century in America,” she told MuseumNext.
The museum was established in 1964 in a Capitol Hill residence and became part of the Smithsonian Institution 14 years later, taking residence on the National Mall in 1987.
The museums made headlines last year, when the Smithsonian Institution approved the return of 29 Benin bronzes to Nigeria that were looted by British soldiers in a violent 1897 raid of the Royal Palace. The museum limited removed them from view in 2021. That decision came from Blankenbergwho was, according to an April email to all directors from Kevin Gover, under secretary for museums and culture, “a leading voice in developing the Smithsonian’s new ethical returns policy.”
In July 2020, some former employees and former board members spoke out about an enduring culture of racism and racial bias at the museum, according to CultureType. At the time of her hire, Blankenberg told CultureType that her “main priority” was to “hire more BIPOC staff in positions of power” and “ensure Black and racialized staff are supported and empowered.”
The Canadian native started her career in television and documentary production, later becoming a consultant with Lord Cultural Resources and later design agency Kossmanndejong. Her portfolio includes the National Gallery of Canada, Superblue, the Museum and Archive of the Constitution at the Hill in Johannesburg, and the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. She also consulted on the exhibition team and education strategies for the National Museum of African American History and Culture, also a Smithsonian institution.
Follow Artnet News on Facebook:
Want to stay ahead of the art world? Subscribe to our newsletter to get the breaking news, eye-opening interviews, and critical takes that drive the conversation forward.
